late autumn 1846

My dear Abiah,

When I last wrote you I was in Boston, where I spent a delightful visit of four weeks. I returned home about the middle of September in very good health and spirits, for which it seems to me I cannot be sufficiently grateful to the Giver of all mercies. I expected to go into the Academy upon my return home, but as I stayed longer than I expected to, and as the school had already commenced, I made up my mind to remain at home during the fall term and pursue my studies the winter term, which commences a week after Thanksgiving. I kept my good resolution for once in my life, and have been sewing, practising upon the piano, and assisting mother in household affairs. I am anticipating the commencement of next term with a great deal of pleasure, for I have been an exile from school two terms on account of my health, and you know what it is to "love school." Miss Adams is with us now, and will remain through the winter, and we have an excellent Principal in the person of Mr. Leonard Humphrey, who was the last valedictorian. We now have a fine school. I thank you a thousand times for your long affectionate letter....I found a quantity of sewing waiting with open arms to embrace me, or rather for me to embrace it, and I could hardly give myself up to "Nature's sweet restorer," for the ghosts of out-of-order garments crying for vegeance upon my defenceless head. However, I am happy to inform you, my dear friend, that I have nearly finished my sewing for winter, and will answer all the letters which you shall deem worthy to send so naughty a girl as myself, at short notice....

Write soon.

Your affectionate

Emily E.D.

Are you never coming to Amherst? You say in your last letter that you are coming in the spring, but your friends Abby & myself after discussing the matter at large have decided that if you have a spark of affection left in your heart for us you must come before. Why can you not come at Thanksgiving time, or at least after snow comes. Do come as soon as you can possibly & be sure that when you do come be it early or late you will find two warm friends ready to welcome you, by the names of Abby & Emily. Write soon, your aff.

Emily E. D.

I have much to tell you of when I see you, & let that be speedy. Abby sends bushels of love to you, & also a note which I enclose. Have you yet heard from Dear Harriet? I have not. Miss Merrill has written to Harriet & Frances inviting them to spend Thanksgiving. I need not tell you how much I wish to see her & learn the cause of her long silence. How I wish we could all meet at Thanksgiving time. How much we should have to say of the times that are gone. Write very soon.